Chrysler has revealed images and information about the all-new 2011 Dodge Durango, and while this site doesn’t normally write about new SUV launches, it’s worth mentioning for one reason: It’s not heinous.
Now in version 3.0, the Dodge Durango has an uphill battle to fight. The first generation SUV was an attractive, though shoddily built truck, more or less a Dodge Dakota pickup with some extra seats. A friend owned one, and it completely fell apart by 75,000 miles. Literally, trim pieces would fall off the damn thing if you smacked the dashboard hard enough.
Then Dodge tried again, and though build quality improved for the second-generation, it still wasn’t a good car. The styling was bland, and the driving position was so high, you’d think you were piloting the Sears Tower down the 405. I had one as a rental, once, so I forgave it’s fleet-specific shantytown interior, but it just felt like a poorly thought out mess.
Since then, I’ve driven a brand new, 2010 Dodge Ram 1500, and sat in a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. My, how times have changed. The new Ram’s build quality is absolutely stellar, and the new Grand Cherokee feels much more like the Mercedes ML-class on which its based than anything Chrysler has built recently. The new Durango shares the same underpinnings as the ML-class as well, but, unlike the Jeep, the Durango has a third row of seats.
It’s hard to ignore the similarities between the new Grand Cherokee and Durango, the body lines, front grill, and stance are nearly identical, as are the powertrains (3.6L V6 or 5.7L V8). Nevertheless, I like it. And if the build quality of the new Grand Cherokee and Ram are any indicators, Dodge may have, at long last, built a Durango that’s worth spending your hard-earned cash on. And since Ford has all but abandoned the “true” SUV, instead choosing to turn the Explorer into a crossover, Chrysler may, come next year, have the SUV game on lockdown.
Its nice to see American companies Fiiiiiinally listening to their potential customers.
Its never been that they havent been able to do this, its that they couldnt be bothered to. And of course the unions havent helped a thing.
I hope all 3 keep it up, across all product lines when new cars (or replacements) are introduced. Its the only way they will eventually win back the customers they have so carefully shoved away.
I think it's a win. This is more for the street while the Jeep has the 4WD side of the house down. I've seen interior pics and they seemed very nice. So way to go Chrysler. Only issue of course being the already indicated build quality 50K miles down the road. Time will tell if the past history of shitty products has doomed this thing. Ford seems to have gotten things right with their build quality and resale values, lets see if Chrysler can do the same.
Still have my 2003 Durango with 120k. I must have gotten lucky as the only thing I have replaced is the AC compressor and water pump in the same week. Still has plenty of power and can chirp the wheels. Mine is solid and will drive it until the wheels come off. I love it. It gas a "truck" feel. Had not planned on buying another Dodge, but looks like Fiat may do something with the, 2011 is nice looking truck.
My 97 Dakota 5.2 has 118K miles and has had one mechanical problem, granted the clusters that hold on the lock and window up/down switches came off due to a fealty piece of plastic. The interior isn't good looking but it has more comfortable seats then a 03 Caravan. Their not bad trucks, but I've taken really good care of mine which means no beating on the dash.
The new Durango looks really good
It actually looks decent.. has some styling cues from BMW, Jeep and perhaps a hint of Lincoln.
I'd have to see it in person tho.. the stance and styling is playing tricks on me.. I can't tell how big it really is, perhaps if there was another vehicle in the pic for reference. Is it in the BMW X5/Ford Explorer size range or Ford Expedition/Chevy Tahoe range?
explorer/X5 size range, 7 passenger capability but not much trunk space with the third row raised…
I was just stating that quality wise…The big 3 have been no where near the quality of the European brands as a whole. Sure there are bright spots, (the Caddy CTS-V comes to mind), but I dont mean comparing the last model Durango to a 5 series BMW. I mean comparing vehicles of simmilar price. In that case many non-US manufacturers have been far superior for many years.
OMG What a car!!! i love it, realy thats amazing, im not a big fan of dodge but i want to say that design of durango is alwasys win! i still remember first durango
I've dreamed of a Durango for years, only to find that it wouldn't fit in my garage together with my wife's car:) I do have an SUV, though, a Mazda CX 7, and I totally love it!
Looking at this car right now. WOW. This is not the Durango that I remember.